E’LICIA L. CHAVEREST, M.S. A&M 4900 Meridan Street, James I. Dawson Building Suite #316, Normal, Alabama 35762 Email: [email protected] Office: (256) 372-4958 Cellular: (256) 783-8439

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Multi-faceted, efficient, reliable administrative and management professional with 18 years of experience supporting faculty, staff, and managers to improve (agribusiness and farms) operations for small agribusinesses, non-profit organizations, community-based organizations and agricultural cooperatives. Professional, flexible, innovative and objective oriented. Unique combination of creativity and analytical skill with the ability to assess both advantage points to create cost-effective solutions for internal and external clients on the spectrum.

CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING PROGRAMS: Leadership Greater Huntsville, Inc. (2020-2021 Management Academy Class XI), Huntsville, AL. (May 2021) Executive Women in Leadership Certificate, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY. (August 2020) Holistic Management Financial Planning Getting Started Course Certificate, Holistic Management International, Albuquerque, NM. (July 1, 2020) Executive Leadership Certificate, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY. (May 2019) Tennessee Valley Diversity Leadership Colloquium (Cohort XI), Huntsville, AL. (April 30,2019) Executive Leadership Certificate, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY. (December 2018.) Food System Leadership Program, Wallace Center at Winrock International, Kansas City, Missouri (October 2018) FSPCA Preventive Controls for Human Food Certificate. Huntsville, AL (June 2018) Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) Trainer. Montgomery, AL (August 2017) Marketing Strategies Certificate. Cornell University, Ithaca, NY. (February 2016). Grant Writing Training Course, Huntsville, Alabama (August 2017)

INTEREST: Leadership Training Development, Business Planning and Economic Development, Public Policies, Marketing Strategies, Access to Capital and Funding Opportunities, Personal Finance, Credit worthiness and Food Systems, Food Safety, and Managing Agricultural Risk

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT NETWORK, LLC (Consulting Firms -established October 2019)  Grant writer on various educational and community-oriented programs  Provide group and one-on-one training grant writing  Generate focus groups to engage audience  Conduct conferences, seminars and outreach activities  Public Speaker (Leadership, Diversity and Inclusion in Workforce, Women In Leadership Empowerment Series and Self-Love/Care training)  Outreach Coordinator -Develop efficient and effective programs and project  Develop reports/programs and Compiled data for project  Generate and Management social media outlets (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter)

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR –Fall 2014 - Present. Alabama A&M University’s Small Farms Research Center, Normal, Alabama Responsibilities:  Supervise (5- 10) employees (i.e. graduate, undergraduate, and newly hired staff)  Ensures the development and implementation of individual programs and activities  Writes grants, develops and implement effective progress reporting systems.  Manage project budgets and cost-effective strategies  Identifies key priority areas in program implementation and outreach delivery.  Assist farmers and community leaders in grants, and funding opportunities  Develops realistic and achievable short and long-term goals  Develops plans of work and identifies innovative methods or strategies of implementing these plans of work.  Provide one-on-one consultation 1

 Conducts socio-economic activities.  Develops and presents educational materials.  Provides outreach and technical assistance to producers and rural entrepreneurs.  Supervises staff, bi-weekly students, and interns within the Center.  Provides leadership, planning, and direction for all projects and outreach programs for hard-to-reach agricultural and rural business populations.  Fulfills the duties and responsibilities of the director in a temporary acting capacity in the absence of the Center director.  Directs and coordinates the development and implementation of outreach and risk management education programs.  Documents and disseminates finds to administrators, policy makers, funding agencies, producers and rural entrepreneurs.  Performs other duties as assigned.

FOOD SYSTEM LEADESHIP NETWORK MODERATOR (Part-time) April -June 2019. Wallace Center at Winrock International, Little Rock, Arkansas. (On-Line Position)  Engage discussion on Food System, Food Safety and Public Policy  Develop monthly success stories  Educating and Highlight target audience of Upcoming Events (webinars, events, trainings)  Writer for the FSLN’s monthly newsletter, The Catalyst, and/or host a coffee chat  Compiled data for WC staff to guide your activities  Identify common questions, themes, and trends, complete brief follow-up report, and participate in kick-off and wrap-up call with Wallace Center staff.

PROGRAM MANAGER AND MARKETING SPECIALIST - Summer 2007- 2014. Alabama A&M University, Small Farms Research Center, Normal, Alabama Responsibilities:  Collect and analyze economic and agricultural data  Provide outreach and technical assistance to producers, landowners, and entrepreneurs  Develop the Small Farms Research Center (SFRC)Internship Program  Supervise interns and graduate students  Develop and maintain the (SFRC) Facebook page, Twitter, Instagram, and other media outlets  Developed and assist (5) producers in funding grants (specifically USDA Rural Development Value-Added Grants (2010-present)  Increase audience participation in utilizing SFRC services by 25%  Assist in the development of two local farmers markets  Initiate and establish business relationships with local media and non-profit organizations  Highly efficient in managing and executing programs and projects, and financial budgets  Coordinate and organize professional training workshops, seminars, and activities  Initiate and coordinate “Women in Agriculture Program” project  Participate in grant writing, business planning, and economic development  Develop training conference manuals and modules, fact sheets on various issues including food safety, risk and farm management, marketing, diversification, current government programs, business development and women in agriculture program

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE - Fall 2003-2007. Alabama A&M University, Small Farms Research Center, Normal, Alabama Responsibilities:  Design and administer survey instruments for different research studies within the Southern AgBiotech Consortium for Underserved Communities  Collect and analyze economic and agricultural data  Conduct applied research, present results at professional meeting and conferences, and publish in proceedings and refereed journals  Serve as Editor of the Small Farms Research Center’s quarterly newsletter.  Former Radio host for the Center’s weekly, Small Farms Report  Develop Small Farms Center via internet training modules and via video Center’s overview  Provide administrative support to the Small Farms Research Center

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GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT/ STUDENT - Fall 2001-2003. Alabama A&M University, Agribusiness Department, Graduate Program, Normal, Alabama Responsibilities:  Collect, code, and analyze surveys and statistical data  Develop and present PowerPoint presentations at professional meetings  Assist undergraduate students and apprenticeship students  Perform administrated tasks

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE Sales Intern - Summer 2000. Case/New Holland Tractor Company, New Holland, PA Credit Intern - Summer 1999. New Holland, North America Tractor Company, New Holland, PA USDA Summer Research Apprenticeship - Summer 1996. Alabama A &M University, School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Agribusiness Department, Normal, Alabama Sales Associate (Men’s Department)-Summer 1998- 2001. JC Penny’s Department Store, Fairfield, Alabama

EDUCATION: Master of Business Administration (Expected date May 2023) January, 2020. Alabama A & M University, Normal, AL

Master of Science, Agribusiness Management, G.P.A 3.6/4.0 July, 2003. Alabama A & M University, Normal, AL Thesis: “Perceptions of Alabama Producers on Labeling Genetically Modified Food Products”

Bachelor of Science, Agribusiness Management, Cum Laude Graduate, G.P.A. 3.4./4.0 May, 2001. Alabama A & M University, Normal, AL

FUNDED PROJECTS: 2020-2023 Experiential Learning Opportunities for Limited Resource Growers through Mobile Farm Innovation Centers in Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. $548,880.00 USDA NIFA. Washington, DC (Co-PI)

2020-2023 Market Ready Funds Collaboration in Georgia and Alabama. $299,610.00. USDA NIFA. Washington, DC. (Co-PI)

2020-2021 Hopewell Women-In-Agriculture Organization. $2,000. CAWCO RC&D Council Grows Gardens. Jefferson County. Alabama. (Grant Writer: Project Hopewell Inc, Hopewell Women-In-Agriculture Organization)

2020 Utilizing Urban Agriculture to Empower Communities. $5,000. CAWCO RC&D Council. Jefferson County. Alabama. (Grant Writer: Project Hopewell Inc, Hopewell Women-In-Agriculture Organization)

2018-2020 Risk Management Strategies and Crop Insurance Training for Alabama’s Socially Disadvantaged Producers, $99,461.00. USDA Risk Management Agency. Washington, DC. (PI.)

2018-2019. Creative Enrichment, Inc. Full Plate: Fresh Local Foods Grown in Under-served Communities $5,000. Cawaco 2019 -Community Grant. Bessemer, Alabama

August 22-24, 2018. AAMU Small Farms Research Center Risk Management and Business Development Workshop, Mobile, Alabama. $1,600. Fort Valley State University’s Minority & Limited Resource Farmers &1890 Land Grant Liaison, NGO & CBO Liaison. Fort Valley, Georgia.

August 22-24, 2018. AAMU Small Farms Research Center Risk Management and Business Development Workshop, Mobile, Alabama. $500. Gulf Coast RC&D Council, Mobile, Alabama

2018 -2019 Financial Literacy Training for Veterans and Socially Disadvantaged Producers in Alabama, $49,978. The Southern Risk Management Education Center/ University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture and USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Little Rock, Arkansas. (PI.)

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2017 -2018 Extension’s Risk Management Conference Sponsorship Application, $5,000. The Southern Risk Management Education Center and University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, Little Rock, Arkansas.

2017-2018 National Resource Conservation Services (NRCS) Conservation Training Outreach and Technical Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged and Limited Resource Producers in Alabama, $15,000. USDA Natural Resource Conservation Services. Auburn, Alabama. (PI.)

2009 USDA Rural Development Value Added Producer’s Grant.109 Broad Street Market Marketing and Feasibility Study: A 2009 Value-Added Producer Grant Planning Application For Reserved funds. Ms. Yawah Awolowo. $50,000.00, Cuba, Alabama.

2009 USDA Rural Development Value Added Producer’s Grant: 2009 Value-Added Planning Grant (For General Funding Application Type Priority) Discrimination: Women (Small Family Farm) Value-Added Dairy Bath and Body Products (Processing and Marketing) Feasibility Study. Ms. Margaret Mazikowski $20,028.00, New Market, Alabama.

SKILLS: Proficient in Microsoft Office, familiarity with Finpack Software, and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Possess effective communications, negotiation skills, and building relationship/partnerships; and familiarity with strategic management marketing, grant writing, and familiarity with Sign Language. Ability to type 40 wpm.

HONORS AND AWARDS . 2020 Southern Extension Risk Management Education Projects of Excellence (Funded 2018). . Appointee USDA Advisory Committee for New and Beginning Farmers and Ranchers. Washington, DC, (October 1, 2019-2021) . Dean’s Commendation for Excellence in Outreach and Service: School of Agricultural and Environmental Services, Alabama A&M University, Normal, Alabama, November 2012. . Excellence in Extension Award: Southern Rural Sociological Association (SRSA), 106th Annual Meeting of Southern Association of Agricultural Scientists (SAAS), Atlanta, Georgia, February 2, 2009. . Dean’s Commendation for Excellence in Outreach and Service: School of Agricultural and Environmental Services, Alabama A&M University, Normal, Alabama, November 2008. . Dean’s Citation for Excellence in Outreach: 23rd Annual Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Week, School of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, Alabama A&M University, April 22, 2008. . Presidential Commendation for Excellence in Service: Alabama A&M University, January 22, 2007. . Dean’s Commendation for Small Farms Research Center: School of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, Alabama A&M University, January 10, 2007.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS/INTENSIVE SHORT COURSES  Power Collaborative Training On-line: Girls Leadership Program. Oakland, California. July 13-27, 2020.  Produce Safety Alliance Advance Program administered by Cornell University, Southern Center for Training Education, Extension Outreach and Technical Assistance to Enhance Produce Safety, Lake Alfred, Florida, December 17-19, 2019.  U.S. Government Grants Training Course, Certificate of Completion of Basic Intermediate & Advanced Grant Writing Course (8hrs). Huntsville, Alabama. October 3, 2017.  Produce Safety Alliance Train-the-Trainers, administered by Cornell University, Southern Center for Training Education, Extension Outreach and Technical Assistance to Enhance Produce Safety, and Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Montgomery, Alabama. October 24-25, 2016. . Managing Innovation in Agribusiness, Kenan-Flagler Business School, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, February 2002. . Farm Financial Analysis and Risk Management, University of Minnesota for Farm Financial Management, State University, Charlottesville, Virginia, 2003.

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS . North Alabama Family Service Advisory Committee, (January 2020) . Alabama Forestry Outreach Advisory Council, (Co-chair May 2017) . American Agricultural Economic Association . Southern Agricultural Economic Association . Southern Association of Agricultural Scientists . Rural Sociological Society 4

. Southern Rural Sociology Association . Missouri Valley Economic Association

PUBLICATION AND PRESENTATION Chaverest, E’licia. Produce Safety Alliance Growers Training Program. Module I. Introduction to Produce Safety. in Bessemer, Alabama. February 26, 2020.

Chaverest, E’licia. Produce Safety Alliance Growers Training Program. Module II. Worker, Health and Hygiene Training. in Cool Springs, Tennessee. February 20, 2020.

Chaverest, E’licia. Produce Safety Alliance Growers Training Program. Module II. Worker, Health and Hygiene Training. in Mobile, Alabama. August 19, 2019.

Chaverest, E’licia. Produce Safety Alliance Growers Training Program. Module II. Worker, Health and Hygiene Training. in Atlanta, Georgia. April 11, 2019.

Chaverest, E’licia. Produce Safety Alliance Growers Training Program. Module II. Worker, Health and Hygiene Training. in Boligee, Alabama. May 30, 2019

Chaverest, E’licia. 2018 New and Beginning Farmers Ranchers Program: Training and Assisting Urban Farmers in Alabama. Presentation. 2018 Urban Food System Symposium. Minneapolis, Minnesota. August 8-10, 2018.

Chaverest, E’licia. 2018 Financial Literacy Training for Socially Disadvantaged Beginning Farmers in Alabama. Presentation. 2018 Extension Risk Management Education National Conference. Milwaukee, Wiscousin. April 9- 12, 2018.

Chaverest, E’licia. 2017 Strategies for Assisting and Working with Socially Disadvantaged and Limited Resource Producers Presentation. 2017 Extension Risk Management Education National Conference. Cincinnati, Ohio. April 28, 2017.

Chaverest, E’licia. 2016 USDA Funding Opportunities presentation. Alabama A&M University’s Small Farms Research Center Risk Management and Business Development Workshop. Mobile, Alabama. August 2016.

Chaverest, E’licia. 2014 USDA Grants and Funding Opportunities presentation. Alabama A&M University’s Small Farms Research Center Risk Management and Business Development Workshop. Mobile, Alabama. August 21-22, 2014.

Chaverest, E’licia Duncan M. Chembezi, and JaMarkus Crowell. Farm Incubator for New and Beginning Farmers and Ranchers. Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference, Kissemee, Florida. August 1-2, 2014.

Chaverest, E’licia Duncan M. Chembezi, and JaMarkus Crowell. Alabama Women-In-Agriculture Inc., Chapter Tennessee Valley Women-In-Agriculture (TVWIA) Association. 2014 Women in Agriculture Educators National Conference, Indianapolis, Indiana, April 1-3, 2014.

Chaverest, E’licia. “Working with Difficult People A Savvy Approach to a Happier You presentation, “Extension Support Personnel Association (ESPA) Conference, Huntsville, Alabama. May 15, 2014.

Chaverest, E’licia. Capital and Access to Capital: Funding Opportunities for New and Beginning Farmers and Ranchers. Small Farms Research Center’s New and Beginning Farmers Program. Huntsville, Alabama. November 2013.

Chaverest, E’licia. Innovative Marketing Strategies and Resources for Agricultural Producers presentation ’s 21st Annual Small Farmers Conference Oklahoma, City, Oklahoma. May 23-25, 2012.

Chembezi, Duncan M. and E’licia L. Chaverest, ‘Preference for Mandatory Labeling of GM Products by Agricultural Producers in the Southeast United States.’ Journal of Finance and Accountancy, 2012 (forthcoming).

Chaverest, E’licia. Marketing Strategies for Value-Added Agriculture products presentation Langston University’s 19th Annual Small Farmers Conference Oklahoma, City, Oklahoma. May 26-28, 2010.

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Chaverest, Elicia L. Duncan M. Chembezi, Gerald Wheelock. “Consumer Perceptions and Willingness-to Pay for GM-Free Food Products in Southern Underserved Communities,” Mobile, Alabama, February 3-6, 2007. Selected paper presented at the Southern Rural Sociological Association Annual Meeting, Mobile, Alabama, February 6, 2007.

Warriors and Winners: Risk Management Catalysts Panel Discussion: Elicia L. Chaverest, Alabama A&M University, Mary Mafuyai-Ekanem, North Carolina A&T University, and Charlotte Ham, Tuskegee University at the Southern Rural Sociological Association (SRSA) Meeting, Orlando, Florida, February 5, 2006.

Chaverest, E’licia L., Duncan M. Chembezi, Gerald Wheelock, Govind Sharma, Alabama A&M University, Ellene Kebede, Tuskegee University, and Fisseha Tegegne, Tennessee State University. “Perception of Agricultural Biotechnology among Science Students in Historically Black Land-Grant . Poster presented at the Southern Rural Sociological Association (SRSA) Annual Meeting, Orlando, Florida, February 6, 2006.

REFERENCES: Available Upon Request.

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